Song reviews:
"Wake" - ..not much to say here, starts off slow and mellow, and gradually builds up into dist guitars and really sets the mood for the album ahead.
"Given Up" - Chester singing throughout - Catchy beat to it, clap clap clap clappity clap, catchy guitar riff, very anthemic and upbeat song.
"Leave Out All The Rest" - Another Chester song - Starts off quite slow and mellow, and builds up into an epic ballad-ey chorus, and mellows out near the end again.
"Bleed It Out" - 'Shinoda deals with the verses, while Chester sings the very anthemic chorus. Again, more clapping in the drum beat, I gotta admit, it's catchy. Would be fun live.
"Shadow Of The Day" - Chester - Slow and mellow song throughout, another epic ballad-fest. Catchy sing-along lyrics.
"What I've Done" - Surely you all know this one by now. The singing sounds rather 'pop' - like it was almost written as their single for the album.
"Hands Held High" - 'Shinoda's song - Religion-fueled anti-war/anti-bush rap with a chorus of the whole band singing "Aaaaameeeennnn.. Aaaaameeeennnn" Hmmm. I do not approve.
"No More Sorrow" - Chester - A heavy metal-fest throughout. Love this one - very heavy, powerful guitar riff, really doesnt sound like LP from the start, very attitude-ey song, definately my favourite of the album.
"Valentines Day" - Chester again - The first 2/3 of this song reminds me of "My December", but it breaks out into a powerful (regrettably quite angsty) finish.
"In Between" - A slow and calm song with actual real singing from 'Shinoda, with some light backing vocals from Chester. I'm suprised to hear a song like this from Mike, but it does actually suit him. The lyrics seem a little repetetive at times, since it's a bit of a chorus-fest. I dont think it really has verses as such..
"In Pieces" - Starts off feeling quite cold, with Chester's angsty voice in full swing. Quite a whiney song, but LP's new upbeat sound shines through. Slowly builds up into a powerful crescendo, like "Valentine's Day". A flash from the past of angsty songs with a fresh new overall sound.
"The Little Things Give You Away" - Starts off with just Chester singing, slowly builds up to have all(?) of the band members singing in harmony. An epic ballad-ey end to the album, leaving you feeling fulfilled.
Overall, a pleasant listen, catchy lyrics, plenty of anthemic songs, a new ballad-ey sound, less rapping, more politics, more metal, less DJ-bullshit, more guitars, more pwnage.
I'm not gonna be shallow and give it an X / 10 score, just take my word for it. If the above sounds to your liking, fetch it up and have a listen.
